Pre-Award Research Administrator 3 (Remote)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $61,400- $109,200. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000 - $88,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 5th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is primarily remote, with occasional mandatory in-person training and team-building activities at the UC Merced campus.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Pre-award Research Administrator 3 (RA3) reports directly to the Assistant Director in the Sponsored Projects Office. Leverages in-depth research administration experience to independently develop and manage research proposals. Maintains meticulous contract and grant records, ensuring adherence to both institutional and sponsor policies. Under minimal supervision, organizes, plans, and establishes internal deadlines to streamline proposal submissions. Tackles proposals with diverse scopes, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of intricate research regulations. Prepares and finalizes transactions for supervisor or authorized official approval. Collaborates on and contributes to complex center proposals encompassing multiple funding years, costshare/matching, multiple investigators, and/or subawards. Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to junior staff members. Participates in the development and monitoring of departmental policies and procedures. Communicates all relevant changes and updates to keep team members informed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• With limited supervision, applies advanced contract and grant knowledge to support faculty investigators (PIs) with their research proposals and non-financial aspects of their projects. Ensures all proposed research activities adhere to both sponsor and university policies, safeguarding regulatory compliance. Meticulously prepares complete proposal packets, meticulously following sponsor guidelines. Develops proposal budgets and supporting documentation as required by sponsor guidelines and university regulations. Coordinates proposal submissions in collaboration with Contract and Grant Officers within the Sponsored Projects Office.
• Delivers exceptional support services to campus researchers. Acts as a trusted resource, guiding staff through complex research administration challenges and facilitating escalation to the Assistant Director when needed. Serves as the primary point of contact for faculty, collaborating with Principal Investigators (PIs) on developing diverse contract and grant proposals. Administratively manages the preparation and review of complex grant or contract proposals and budgets, securing all requisite compliance approvals.
• In collaboration with senior research administrators, leverages expertise to analyze proposals and non-financial post-award activities. Proactively identifies potential issues and conducts targeted research to locate the most applicable policy, recommending it to the Principal Investigator (PI) for adherence. Keeps the Assistant Director informed of potential issues with proposals or non-financial post-award activities, presenting potential solutions for consideration.
• Contributes to the development and management of complex proposals and non-financial transactions. Manages the preparation and review of intricate grant or contract proposals and budgets, securing all requisite compliance approvals.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of current University and sponsor agency guidelines through active participation in training seminars, monitoring relevant listservs, and routinely reviewing University and sponsor agency websites. Engages in continuous learning opportunities, including self-directed activities like recommended reading or online courses, and supervisor assigned programs, courses, and activities.
• With minimal oversight, offers expert guidance and counsel on proposal development and compliance regulations to Principal Investigators (PIs) and other stakeholders.
• Analyzes departmental needs and proposes improvements to operating procedures, policies, and guidelines. Collaborates in the development and ongoing monitoring of departmental policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency.
• Provides support during audits as directed by senior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited University in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. or equivalent experience /training. (Required)
• A master's degree Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields. (Preferred)
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants, or seven years of equivalent education/training/experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques.
• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor guidelines.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.